Accessibility Associate

National UNV Assignment – Ukraine

Mission and objectives

UNDP supports strategic capacity development to promote inclusive growth, sustainable human development and democratic governance in Ukraine. Working with national, regional and local authorities, civil society and the private sector, UNDP contributes to poverty reduction, stronger institutions, environmental sustainability and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Context

After more than three years of full-scale war, Ukraine continues to face severe damage to civilian infrastructure, public services and community life. In this context, inclusive recovery has become a critical priority. Recovery efforts increasingly need to ensure that persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups can equally access reconstructed infrastructure, public services, information and community spaces.

This assignment is part of a UNDP project focused on urgent recovery, resilience and human security, including support that draws on Japan’s expertise and the broader Japan–UNDP partnership. Within this work, the Accessibility Associate will help strengthen accessibility and barrier-free approaches across recovery and reconstruction initiatives by providing technical advice, assessments, training and stakeholder coordination.

Key responsibilities

1) Accessibility and inclusion advisory support

• Provide technical advice on accessibility, disability inclusion and universal design across UNDP-supported recovery and reconstruction activities.
• Conduct accessibility audits based on building norms and universal design principles.
• Support project teams and partners in integrating accessibility considerations into infrastructure works, service delivery, communication materials, community engagement and project implementation.
• Identify accessibility barriers affecting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in accessing infrastructure, services, information and participation opportunities.
• Provide practical recommendations on accessible design elements such as entrances, ramps, circulation, signage, lighting, sanitation facilities and emergency access.

2) Accessibility assessments and technical reviews

• Conduct on-site and remote accessibility assessments of public facilities, service delivery points, shelters, workplaces, community spaces and public environments.
• Review communication, training and project materials — including reports, presentations, guides, digital tools, videos, websites and printed materials — to improve accessibility, usability and inclusiveness.
• Support development of accessibility-related checklists, templates, guidance notes and practical tools for project teams and partners.

3) Capacity building and knowledge management

• Design and deliver trainings, workshops, consultations and awareness-raising activities on accessibility standards, disability inclusion, universal design and barrier-free approaches.
• Develop and update training materials, knowledge products, case studies, briefing notes and awareness materials.
• Contribute to collection, analysis and documentation of good practices, lessons learned, beneficiary feedback and inclusive recovery approaches.
• Promote accessibility and barrier-free approaches within UNDP-supported interventions and partner engagement.

4) Coordination and stakeholder engagement

• Support coordination with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society, local authorities, technical specialists and communities.
• Participate in field missions, site visits, consultations, coordination meetings, workshops and knowledge-sharing activities related to accessibility and inclusive recovery.
• Perform other related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Design, Law, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in accessibility, disability inclusion, universal design, inclusive recovery, rehabilitation, architecture, urban planning or construction.
• Languages: Ukrainian — Fluent (required); English — Working knowledge (required).
• Eligibility: Candidate must be a national/legal resident or hold refugee status in Ukraine.

Essential skills

• Strong understanding of accessibility standards, universal design principles, the CRPD, the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), national building norms and relevant international accessibility frameworks.
• Experience conducting or supporting accessibility assessments, audits and reviews of public facilities, service delivery points, shelters, workplaces, public spaces and communication materials.
• Experience designing and delivering trainings, workshops, consultations or other capacity-building activities.
• Experience preparing and reviewing guidance notes, checklists, case studies, reports, presentations and public information materials in line with accessibility and usability principles.
• Strong communication, facilitation, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with implementing partners, contractors, technical specialists, authorities, civil society and multidisciplinary teams in a complex operational environment.
• Strong security awareness and readiness for field missions and site visits when required.

Allowances

• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): USD 1,717 per month (paid in UAH equivalent), including Well-Being Differentials while duty stations in Ukraine are classified “E”.
• Entry lump sum: USD 350 (one-time payment).

Medical and life insurance

• Medical insurance: Provided to the UN Volunteer (and eligible dependents, where applicable) for the duration of the assignment and normally up to one month after contract end.
• Life insurance: Coverage for the duration of the assignment, with benefits payable to designated beneficiaries.

Leave entitlements

• Annual leave: 2.5 days per completed month of assignment.
• Learning leave: Up to 10 working days per 12 months, subject to approval.
• Certified sick leave: Up to 30 days per 12-month cycle.
• Uncertified sick leave: 7 working days per calendar year.